What is medication assisted treatment?
Medication assisted treatment is a proven outpatient treatment option for substance use disorder. It uses FDA-approved medications, along with counseling and support services, to help you feel more stable and stay engaged in your care.
MAT medications may help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This can make it easier for you to focus on counseling, daily responsibilities, and recovery goals. A NIH/NIDA-funded study found opioid overdose deaths dropped 59% for patients on methadone and 38% for patients on buprenorphine, compared to those not receiving medication treatment.1
A MAT program is not the same for everyone. Your care team builds a plan around your needs, symptoms, health history, and goals. At BrightView, medication is just one part of treatment. You may also receive behavioral health therapies and social support services.
Who can MAT help?
MAT can help many people who are struggling with substance use disorder. It may be a good option if you need medical support, counseling, and a care plan you can follow while living at home.
Medication-assisted treatment may help if you:
You don’t have to feel ready for every part of recovery before reaching out. Many people begin treatment while they’re still struggling. BrightView meets you with respect and helps you take the next step.
How BrightView’s MAT program works
Your care team will create a personalized MAT plan to help you recover from addiction. Your plan will account for your unique challenges, opportunities, and goals. Treatment paths vary, but the process typically includes the following:
First call, walk-in, or schedule an appointment
You can start by calling BrightView, walking in on weekdays (where available), or scheduling online. BrightView offers same-day appointments when possible so you can begin care quickly.
During your first contact, the team will explain the intake process, answer questions, and help you prepare for your first visit. You will be treated with respect from the very beginning, regardless of where you are in your recovery journey.
Assessment and medication plan
At your first appointment, the care team will review your substance use history, symptoms, medical background, and recovery goals. You’ll complete a urine screen before starting medication. This assessment helps determine appropriate MAT medications and services.
The team will explain your treatment options, discuss recommended medications, and create a personalized care plan. If you have returned to use, you’re still welcome to seek care.
Stabilization and ongoing medical support
Once treatment begins, the focus shifts to helping you achieve stability. This includes ongoing visits with addiction-medicine providers, medication monitoring, dosage adjustments, urine screenings, and continued medical evaluations.
Regular follow-up visits help the care team monitor progress, address concerns, and manage cravings or withdrawal symptoms. If challenges arise, same-day appointments may be available. If you return to use, BrightView will meet you with compassion, respect, and support to help you continue moving forward in your recovery.
Counseling and behavioral health therapy
Behavioral health therapies are an important part of MAT. Counseling helps you develop coping strategies, address underlying challenges, and build skills that support long-term recovery. Your care team will work with you to identify goals and create a treatment approach that fits your needs.
Depending on your situation, treatment may include individual counseling, group therapy, or other therapeutic approaches to support emotional and mental well-being. These services help you stay engaged in recovery while building confidence and resilience over time.
Case management and social support
You’ll also work with expert case managers during your time at BrightView. They can help you find housing, employment, transportation resources, and social opportunities in your community to support a more well-rounded recovery.
With this coordinated support network, you have access to comprehensive care that addresses practical needs alongside treatment, helping you stay engaged in your recovery journey.
Long-term recovery planning
As your needs evolve, your treatment plan can evolve with you. BrightView works with you to develop a sustainable recovery strategy that supports your long-term goals.
Your plan may include ongoing medication management, counseling, peer support, or adjustments to visit frequency. The care team will continue to evaluate your progress and make changes as needed.
Medications used in MAT
MAT medications for substance use disorders depend on the condition being treated, your symptoms, substance use history, health needs, and clinical assessment. Not every medication is right for everyone. BrightView’s medical team will talk through the most appropriate options with you.
MAT medications for opioid use disorder
MAT medications for opioid use disorder, also known as MOUD, may help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms while supporting ongoing recovery and engagement in treatment.
Options may include:
- Buprenorphine (Suboxone and Sublocade)
- Methadone
- Naltrexone (Vivitrol), when clinically appropriate
MAT medications for alcohol use disorder
MAT medications for alcohol use disorder, also known as MAUD, may help reduce cravings and support recovery. Treatment options may include:
Benefits of medication assisted treatment
Medication assisted treatment can support recovery by treating the medical and behavioral health sides of substance use disorder. It’s designed to help you feel more stable while you build skills and support.
MAT may help you:
MAT doesn’t guarantee a specific result. Everyone’s progress is different.
Common myths about medication assisted treatment
There are many myths about MAT. These myths can make you feel unsure about asking for help. The truth is that medication assisted treatment is a medical option for substance use disorder, and you deserve support without judgment. Here are some common myths about MAT:
Myth 1: "MAT replaces one drug with another"
It’s important to know that MAT medications work differently from drugs or alcohol. They help balance your brain, lower the chance of relapse, and don’t cause a “high.” These medications attach to the same parts of the brain that alcohol or opioids do, which helps your brain recover. For many people, this provides a safe and gradual path to living substance-free.
Myth 2: “MAT is only a short-term fix”
Medication assisted treatment isn’t just a short-term fix. It’s a safe and effective option that can be used as long as needed, similar to medication for other health conditions. Some patients benefit from long-term use, while for others, it’s a helpful step toward long-term recovery.
Myth 3: “Recovery isn’t real with MAT”
This is false. Research shows that MAT patients are more likely to stay in recovery and less likely to overdose. That makes medication assisted treatment one of the most effective tools for managing a substance use disorder. When combined with counseling and social support, it can help patients build the foundation for lasting recovery.
Myth 4: “You have to be ready to stop everything before starting MAT.”
You don’t have to be perfect before starting care. Many people begin treatment while they are still struggling. BrightView’s team helps you stabilize, reduce risk, and build a recovery plan over time.
How to start MAT at BrightView
Starting MAT at BrightView is simple. Recovery can feel overwhelming, but at BrightView you are never alone. Our team will help explain the next steps and answer your questions.
Three ways to start care:
For your first visit, be prepared to:
BrightView accepts patients with or without insurance. BrightView also accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most commercial insurance plans. In fact, we accept more plans than any other treatment provider in our service areas.
Our team can help you apply for Medicaid and find payment options that fit your needs.
FAQs about MAT
BrightView provides withdrawal management within treatment, not standalone detox services. You don’t always need a separate service before starting MAT. The care team will assess your symptoms and decide what level of support is needed for you.
The length of MAT is different for everyone. Some people need medication for a shorter time, while others may benefit from longer treatment. The care team will help you make safe, informed decisions over time.
Some medications and substances can interact with medications used in MAT. Benzodiazepines, alcohol, and other central nervous system depressants may increase the risk of serious side effects when combined with buprenorphine or methadone. You should tell your care team about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and substances that you’re using. Don’t stop a prescribed medication without first speaking with a qualified provider.
Yes, most patients can continue their daily routines once they're stable on their new medication. As you adjust, you may have to take a few days off from work, driving, and other activities.
You should call your care team as soon as you realize you've missed a dose. Don’t double up on your medication.
Your care team will work with you to decide if tapering off medications is the right step for you. MAT medications are safe for long-term use, and for some patients, continuing them is the best option. Whether your goal is to stay on medication or gradually stop, your team will support you every step of the way.
Many insurance plans cover medication assisted treatment. BrightView accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and most commercial insurance plans. Self-pay and other financial options may also be available. The BrightView team can review your coverage and explain potential costs before you begin care.
An opioid treatment program, or OTP, is a certified program that can provide methadone and other services for opioid addiction. MAT, or medication-assisted treatment, is a broader treatment approach that uses FDA-approved medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone with counseling and support.
Both suboxone and methadone can be effective medications for opioid use disorder. The right option depends on your health, opioid use history, symptoms, treatment preferences, and support needs. A qualified provider can assess these factors and help determine which medication may be the safest and most appropriate fit.
Start your recovery now
Recovery can begin with one conversation. BrightView offers outpatient medication assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders with medication, counseling, and social support services.
Three ways to get started today:
- Call 888.501.9865
- Schedule an appointment online
- Walk in on weekdays where available
Need help with the next step? You can also:
